18 June 2026, London & Beijing:

A flagship international forum aimed at building win-win partnerships for sustainable prosperity will take place in Beijing from June 21 to 25, drawing CEOs from the world’s leading companies alongside top Chinese CEOs and senior Government Leaders. It will mark the second time global and Chinese CEOs have gathered in China under the SMI banner to directly collaborate in driving solutions and accelerating the global transition to sustainability.

In recognition of China’s crucial role in the global economy, its growing climate and biodiversity leadership, and the interconnected reality of global supply chains, the Sustainable Markets Initiative China Forum offers a unique CEO-level convening for dialogue and action on sustainable innovation and global cooperation. Through a series of roundtable discussions, bilateral meetings, and site visits, delegates will explore Beijing’s business landscape and the practical steps Chinese companies are taking to advance a greener economy. Discussions are set to centre around strategic transition priorities shaping the global economy, including AI, Health, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage, and Oceans and Fisheries.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural Forum, the event coincides with the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, which this year will focus on AI and robotics and how these tools are enabling, creating efficiencies and supporting transition across industries. The Expo will adopt a full-industry-chain perspective focused on digital technology, advanced manufacturing, green agriculture, healthy life, smart vehicle, and clean energy chains.

The Sustainable Markets Initiative was launched in 2020 by His Majesty King Charles III - then the Prince of Wales. It is now the world’s leading private sector organization for sustainable transition, by facilitating action between world leaders and CEOs to position sustainability at the heart of value creation. Through its global network of CEOs, governments and innovators, the SMI seeks to mobilize the trillions of dollars required to achieve a sustainable future.

In October 2021, President Xi Jinping invited His Majesty King Charles III, as Prince of Wales, to address virtually the COP 15 UN Biodiversity Conference in Kunming and to establish the SMI China Council. In August 2022, the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) became the official host of the Sustainable Markets Initiative's China Council at an inauguration ceremony in which His Majesty, as Prince of Wales, also participated virtually.

Through the SMI China Council, the SMI has deepened its relationships across industries through win-win partnerships. The SMI China Council currently has workstreams covering Health, Energy, Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage, Water, Oceans & Fisheries, Finance.

Commenting on the SMI China Forum, Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, M.V.O., CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, said: "China’s leadership in innovation, investment and climate action makes it an indispensable partner in accelerating the global sustainable transition. As we return to Beijing for a second time, the SMI China Forum provides a vital platform for CEOs and government leaders to come together, build trust, and forge the practical, win-win partnerships needed to drive systemic change. The Sustainable Markets Initiative is creating the conditions for greater international cooperation and business-led action at a time when both are urgently needed. Working collaboratively across borders and sectors, we can unlock the innovation and capital required to deliver a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable global economy.”